Barcelona to Paris

Get a snapshot of some of the best bits of northern Spain and eastern France. Wander the streets of Barcelona and see the incredible architecture of Gaudi throughout the city before being transported back in time to the medieval walls of Girona. Learn the history of gladiators and bullfighters in the Roman amphitheatre of Nimes and watch the mammoth mountains and crystal coasts streak past on your way to Avignon. Visit some of the finest winemaking parts of France (and sample a glass or two!) and round it all out in the iconic City of Lights – Paris!

Itinerary

Day 1: Barcelona

Hola! Welcome to Barcelona, Spain. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm followed by a vermouth aperitivo to whet your appetite for the adventure ahead. If you arrive early, there are plenty of galleries, cafes and historic corners to keep you busy. Perhaps take the funicular to the top of Montjuic or Tibidabo for panoramic views of the harbour. After the meeting, maybe head out for some tapas with your fellow travellers so you can get to know them – your group leader will have all the best recommendations on where to go.

Day 2: Barcelona / Girona

Say good morning to Barcelona before heading out with your group on a leader-led orientation walk of the city, sampling a favourite local treat along the way. Then, explore the city at your own pace. Why not visit Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia Basilica – possibly the most iconic landmark in Barcelona! Or, head to Park Guell – the largest green space in the city, where you can stroll through the gardens if the weather's nice and explore more of the incredible architectural work by Gaudi. This afternoon you’ll make your way to the train station, where you’ll head off to the city of Girona. Arriving in the early evening, your leader will take you on a walk through the city. Then, you have the chance to explore at your leisure. This jewel of Catalonia is known for its medieval architecture, sitting alongside the Onyar River. Make sure you get the best local dinner recommendations from your leader tonight!

Day 3: Girona

Head off with your group this morning for a walk along the medieval walls of the city. Originally built by the Romans, and then rebuilt and extended in the Middle Ages, these walls have stood watch over the city since the 14th century. From the walkway along the top, the city of Gerona spreads out beneath you, giving you a birds-eye view over the streets and houses, the river and the iconic cathedral and bell tower of San Felix. This afternoon is yours to explore the city. Why not visit the Arabic Baths or stop at the Rocambolesc Gelateria where you can grab a cup or cone of some of Spain’s finest gelato. TV buff? Several scenes of HBO’s Game of Thrones were filmed in the city! Chat to your leader about joining a Game of Thrones walking tour and find yourself transported to the streets of Braavos and King’s Landing.

Day 4: Nimes / Avignon

Leaving the city after breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Nimes. Arriving in the town of southeastern France, your leader will take you on a walk through the town, giving you the lay of the land before your free time to explore at your own pace. Why not chat to your leader about visiting the famous Amphitheatre of Nimes – one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in Europe, built around the year AD 100. This evening, take the train to Avignon. When you arrive, check in to your hotel and take a walk around a walled city that was once home to French popes for more than a century.

Day 5: Avignon

Head out for an orientation walk through the markets this morning, where you’ll find fresh produce that’s locally grown in the fertile soil surrounding the city. After, maybe comb the city's impressive collection of art, visit the grand Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace) or cross the iconic bridge of Pont St-Benezet. If the weather permits, you could even hire a bike to see more of this picturesque valley and head to one of the city's amazing bakeries. There are also many small local bistros that serve up great regional cuisine – why not get some of your travel pals together for a French-inspired feast tonight!

Day 6: Beaune

This morning, you’ll head by train to the city of Beaune, in the heart of France’s Burgundy wine region. When you arrive, take a leader-led walk through the town, then this afternoon, you can explore the town's rich history of food and wine production. Ask your leader about visiting the Caves Patriarche – the largest cellars in the Bourgogne wine region, in the 17th-century former convent of Les Vistandines. Here, you’ll find several million bottles of wine, some of which are from the most prestigious winemaking names in the region. Continuing your exploration of the town, see if you can find a fresh bread vending machine, or visit the incredible Hospices de Beaune. Founded in 1443 and originally a hospital that offered care to the less fortunate, it is now a museum and the host of an annual charity wine auction.

Day 7: Paris

Leaving Beaune, travel by train to the city of light and love – Paris, of course! Rich in museums, art galleries, monuments, fashion and delicious food, Paris offers a wealth of major sights and things to do. When you arrive, check into the hotel, then join your leader for an orientation walk through the famous city streets before exploring at your leisure. Wandering around the Champs-Elysees, the student-filled Latin Quarter, or bohemian Montmartre will give you a good feel for the city. There is so much to do in Paris that it might be a good idea to make a plan before you arrive, so you can get to see all you want! Don’t know where to start? Check in with your leader for tons of advice and tips on how to make the most of your time in this incredible city.

Day 8: Paris

Today is the last day of your adventure! After breakfast at your hotel, say farewell to your new travel buddies. Thinking of hanging around and seeing more of Paris? Your leader can help you with the best insider recommendations to experience all the best bits of the City of Lights.

Departure Dates